Take me back to early mornings,
Mr. Dress-up on TV
Ignoring the rules, not heeding the warnings,
my only goal, to be happy and free.

Take me back to climbing trees,
and adventures with sidewalk chalk
Cuts and scrapes and scabby knees,
because I'd rather rollerblade than walk.

Take me back to swing sets, fireflies shining through the haze,
and summer hanging thick and damp in the air
I'm drifting back and forth – back and forth – relaxed with a wandering gaze,
the wind carelessly ruffling my hair.

The brooding sun is slowly falling,
the noisy crickets compose their sweet song
The birds of the evening are quietly calling,
the innocence present that won't last for long.

I wish I could still feel the warm summer breeze,
still find release the same as before
I wish I could go back to the swings and the trees,
but those days are dead and will happen no more.